Despegar's $1.7 Billion Prosus Buyout: A Game Changer for Latin American Travel

In a significant move for the Latin American travel industry, Despegar.com, Corp. (DESP) has agreed to a $1.7 billion buyout by Prosus, a leading global technology company. This all-cash transaction, valued at $19.50 per share, represents a 34% premium over Despegar's 90-day volume weighted average trading price. The acquisition, expected to close in Q2 2025, is set to accelerate Despegar's growth strategy and enhance its market presence in the region.

Despegar, Latin America's leading travel technology company, has revolutionized the tourism industry in the region for over two decades. Its online travel services, including airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and travel insurance, have made it a go-to platform for leisure and corporate travelers. The acquisition by Prosus, a company with a proven track record of building leading technology businesses, is poised to take Despegar to the next level.

Prosus' extensive ecosystem in Latin America, serving over 100 million customers across local e-commerce, travel, and fintech sectors, will provide Despegar with significant customer touchpoints, operational expertise, and advanced AI capabilities. This integration will accelerate Despegar's growth and expand its service offerings, benefiting customers with access to more services, enhanced experiences, and tailored solutions.



The acquisition presents significant synergies, particularly with Prosus' other regional businesses like iFood and Sympla. Despegar's omnichannel B2C platform and B2B white-label solutions can be integrated with iFood's extensive customer touchpoints, driving user growth and engagement. Additionally, Despegar's AI-powered conversational channels can enhance iFood's customer experience. Sympla, an events platform, can benefit from Despegar's travel services, offering bundled packages and increasing its value proposition. These synergies can create a more comprehensive ecosystem, driving growth and innovation for both Despegar and Prosus.



Despegar's strategic acquisition by Prosus underscores its position as a key market player, highlighting its successful commercial execution, consistent leading innovation, and ongoing focus on margin expansion. For over two decades, Despegar has been a transformative force in the Latin American tourism industry. As part of the Prosus Group, Despegar is poised to accelerate its growth strategy, enhancing its market presence and strengthening its ability to innovate and compete.

The transaction represents significant value for Despegar stockholders and is a testament to the commitment and hard work of its team. Customers will benefit from access to more services, enhanced customer experiences, increased loyalty benefits, and more comprehensive solutions tailored to their needs. Together, Despegar and Prosus are setting the stage for a new era of travel marked by greater connectivity, innovation, and value.

In conclusion, Despegar's $1.7 billion Prosus buyout is a game changer for the Latin American travel industry. This strategic move not only enhances Despegar's market presence and ability to innovate and compete but also creates synergies with Prosus' other regional businesses. As Despegar joins the Prosus Group, it is well-positioned to accelerate its growth strategy, deliver the best OTA travel solution in Latin America, and create lasting impact in the region.